Medusan

Medusan

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Place of origin:

The Medusans were a highly intelligenttelepathic and empathic non-corporeal race. Their thoughts were the most sublime in the galaxy, but their physical appearance was exactly the opposite. Their appearance was so utterly hideous to humanoids that the sight of a Medusan rendered any viewer mad, and soon afterward caused death by massive organ failure. Vulcans were capable of viewing Medusans, but only with the use of a specially filtered visor. For these reasons, Medusans usually used an opaque carrier pod when interacting with other species. The Medusans were renowned for their navigational abilities. (TOS: "Is There in Truth No Beauty?")

The Medusans were named for the Greek mythological character of Medusa whose appearance was so hideous that anyone who laid eyes on her was turned to stone.

According to the story outline and script of the episode, their name was spelled "Medeusan", while the non-canonStar Trek: The Next Generation Officer's Manual spells it "Medusan". The Officer's Manual also states that Medusans were permitted to serve in Starfleet as emergency navigators on board Galaxy-classstarships. Such Medusans were honorary lieutenant commanders and had special quarters off an emergency navigation center, which kept them isolated from the rest of the crew.

According to The Worlds of the Federation (p. 60), Medusans are native to the Venus-like planet Medusa, also known as Visalayan by the native Medusans. It is the fourth planet orbiting Xi Hydrae. The planet was seen on screen in the original "Is There in Truth No Beauty?". In the remastered version of the episode, a Medusan vessel was seen instead.